Israel to upgrade older C-130s

The Israeli air force is planning to issue a request for proposals for the upgrade of three of its Lockheed Martin C-130H transport aircraft.

This will include new avionics and "additional systems", some of which are classified.

Israel Aerospace Industries' Bedek division is already replacing the centre wing box on a number of older C-130s for the air force.

Although the air force recently signed a contract to purchase three C-130Js, pressure on the Israeli defense budget has spurred the C-130 upgrade, which is aimed at keeping the aircraft in service for the next 15 years.